What We Know About Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Death After Home Birth

Australian wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke (née Hatfield) died at age 30 in September 2025 due to complications from a “freebirth.”

Stacey’s husband, Nathan Warnecke, shared on October 19, 2025, that his wife died nearly three weeks earlier when “an unforeseen and extremely rare complication” arose during childbirth at the couple’s Melbourne residence. (A “freebirth” is when a mother chooses to deliver their baby without the assistance of a midwife or any other medical professional.)

“It’s with [a] heavy heart that I share with you the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, soul mate and best friend, Stacey Warnecke (Hatfield),” he revealed via Instagram.

Details about the events leading up to Stacey’s death emerged in subsequent weeks, including that she and Nathan were allegedly assisted in their “freebirth” by an unregistered doula. According to a coroner’s hearing in December 2025, Stacey refused all healthcare — including ultrasounds and obstetrics appointments — throughout her pregnancy due to her concerns about Australia’s COVID-19 health mandates.

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Keep scrolling for more information on Stacey’s death.

Who Was Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield?

Stacey described herself as a “low tox nutritionist” and “food content creator” on the Instagram page for her brand, Natural Spoonfuls, which had more than 21,000 followers, as of December 2025. She was a qualified nutritionist who made a “chemical-free” diet a key component of her platform.

When Did Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield Die?

Stacey died on September 29, 2025, following complications from a “freebirth” at her home in Melbourne.

How Did Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield Die?

Lawyer Rachel Ellyard told the Victorian Coroners Court on December 10, 2025, that Stacey seemingly died from a postpartum hemorrhage, according to Australia’s 9News.

Stacey was allegedly assisted in her “freebirth” by her husband, Nathan, and an unregulated doula, Emily Lal, at the couple’s residence in Melbourne, Australia. After Stacey delivered her son, Axel, her health rapidly declined to the point that paramedics were called to the scene at around 4:30 a.m. local time.

Ellyard told the court that paramedics found Stacey in grave condition when they arrived at her home, as her coloring had turned yellow and she was struggling to breath.

Stacey was rushed to Frankston Hospital where doctors attempted multiple procedures to try to save her life, including an emergency hysterectomy. The hospital reportedly went through its entire supply of Stacey’s blood type while trying to save her.

The Herald Sun reported that Stacey suffered multiple cardiac arrests before dying.

What Happened After Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Death?

Two days after Nathan announced his wife’s death, a Coroners Court in Australia confirmed to Us Weekly on October 21, 2025, that Stacey’s death was “currently being investigated.”

A hearing at the Victorian Coroners Court in Melbourne on December 10, 2025, shed new light on the events surrounding Stacey’s death, 9News reported.

During the hearing, lawyer Ellyard explained that Stacey’s approach to her pregnancy was impacted by her fear of Australia’s COVID-19 mandates. Stacey allegedly declined to have any healthcare throughout her pregnancy, going so far as to cancel ultrasound appointments. She also allegedly refused to meet with a midwife or obstetrician.

Nathan gave a statement to police following his wife’s death, but Lal declined to do so. By the time police visited Stacey’s home the following day, it had reportedly been extensively cleaned by Lal.

Victoria’s Health Complaints Commissioner confirmed on its website in October 2025 that it was investigating Lal “based on information received by the Health Complaints Commissioner alleging that Ms. Lal is facilitating and/or participating in homebirths which may put both mothers and babies at risk.” Lal — who describes herself on social media as “The Authentic Birthkeeper” — has been temporarily banned from providing healthcare while Stacey’s death investigation continues.

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“Members of the public are encouraged not to engage with Ms. Lal in relation to the provision of general health services, and if they have any concerns about this matter, or any other health services, are urged to contact the Health Complaints Commissioner,” the commission warned.

The next hearing will be held at the Victorian Coroners Court in March 2026, with investigators seeking Lal for an interview before that time.

What Has Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Husband Nathan Warnecke Said About Her Death?

Stacey’s husband, Nathan, announced via Instagram on October 19, 2025, that she’d died nearly three weeks earlier from “an unforeseen and extremely rare complication” after giving birth to their son, Axel.

“Hospital staff were amazing and did the utmost to help, but ultimately nothing could be done despite their best efforts,” Nathan wrote.

Nathan went on to describe his late wife as his “soul mate and best friend.”

“I knew Stace for 9 amazing years, she was the light of my life and the reason I got up in the morning,” Nathan recalled. “Words can’t do justice to how devastating this is for myself and everyone that knew and loved her. She was my lighthouse in the storm and the world is less bright without her in it.”

He continued, “As her husband, I couldn’t ask for a better partner. She was the most beautiful, loving, caring, hardworking, disciplined, intelligent and trustworthy human being i’ve ever known. She made me the man I am today and everything I have in life is all thanks to her.”

The widower said that his only solace from Stacey’s death was that she was “the happiest [he’d] ever seen her” after giving birth to Axel.

“Her memory will remain with those of us that knew her as the ditzy, green-eyed, blonde haired girl whose smile could fill a room,” Nathan concluded.

How Did Wellness Influencer Stacey Hatfield’s Family React to Her Death?

Nathan’s uncle Jon Downie set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral costs, baby supplies, household bills and time off from work for Nathan from his job as a surveyor. More than $87,000 was raised by December 2025 — just shy of the fundraiser’s goal of $90,000.

“Nathan is not one to ask for help, however we know he will need assistance. With love and support we know he will succeed and be an amazing father to Axel,” the GoFundMe appeal read. “There is no doubt the financial prospects from here for Nathan are significant. Nathan will be unable to return to work as planned for the near future. “

Natural Spoonfuls encouraged its Instagram followers to donate to the fund on October 19.

“Nathan was Stacey’s rock,” the post read. “He’s now navigating life as a single parent to Axel, their beautiful baby boy, who carries Stacey’s spark. Axel is surrounded by love, and we want to make sure Nathan has the time, space, and support to grieve, heal, and raise his son with the care Stacey dreamed of.”

The Natural Spoonfuls statement concluded, “Stacey and Nathan lived a quiet, love-filled life. They never would have asked for help. So I’m asking on their behalf. Nathan is stepping into fatherhood with unimaginable strength and grace. There’s so much on his plate right now, and if you’re able to support him through this GoFundMe…created by his uncle…it would mean the world.”